Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Index

FAQ Details

What are your fees?

The total cost of your treatment will depend on the number of therapy sessions required and any reimbursements you may be able to obtain from your insurance carrier. Please see my Fees & Insurance page for more information.   [top]

Will insurance cover Psychotherapy?

Office policy is that clients pay directly for services rendered. It is recommended that you contact your insurance carrier’s behavioral health department to find out what benefits are covered under your plan. I will provide the necessary documentation so that your insurance carrier may reimburse you if psychotherapy is covered. Please see my Fees & Insurance page for more information.   [top]

How can I get more information or make an appointment?

I am available by phone at 512.878.3452 OR 214.502.9081. I will get back to you promptly to discuss your needs and your concerns.   [top]

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?

Late afternoon and evening appointments are available Monday through Thursday. Limited weekend appointments are also available.   [top]

What do I need to bring with me for my first appointment?

For your first visit, you will need to have our New Patient Forms printed out and filled in. This will reduce your wait time before the session begins, and time spent during the session to complete any paperwork. However, the most important thing to bring is an open mind and a willingness to seek and accept help. The fact that you are reading this answer is a pretty good sign, so bring this attitude with you, and we’ll be able to work together toward a resolution!   [top]

What is your background as an Adolescent and Child Therapist?

In addition to many years of specific training and education focused on child and adolescent therapy, I have more than 25 years of experience as a therapist and clinical supervisor working in child and family community mental health settings. Specialized child therapeutic models, techniques, and interventions are utilized to uncover and resolve problems that often times are not easily expressed verbally.   [top]

What will my child/adolescent and family gain from therapy?

  • Finding positive ways to cope with stress, loss, anxiety, and change
  • Developing skills to better manage anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications skills – learn how to listen, and have your child listen to you
  • Getting “unstuck” from unhealthy patterns – breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
  • Discovering positive ways to solve problems and diffuse parent/child conflict
  • Improving academic and social functioning
  • Helping parents set realistic expectations that their child/adolescent can meet
  • Improving your child’s self-esteem and boosting their self-confidence   [top]

How will I know when my child or adolescent needs help?

Children and adolescents often need the support of therapy when:

  • You notice changes in behavior or mood (depression, anxiety, isolation, aggression) that effect social relationships, and functioning at school/work
  • Your child experiences a significant loss or trauma that is causing them distress
  • Your family can’t find solutions to help your child
  • You suspect your child or teen is using drugs or alcohol
  • Your child is engaging in behavior that is self-harmful or harmful to others
  • Your child has trouble resolving conflict and has trouble de-escalating when angry
  • Family stress continues to increase due to your child’s behavioral and/or emotional challenges   [top]

What kind of therapy is offered?

Both brief and long term therapy is offered from the following therapeutic models and can be delivered in individual and/or family sessions.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors. Distorted beliefs, thoughts and perceptions are examined, challenged, and altered to facilitate behavioral and emotional change. CBT is especially helpful when treating children that experience depression, anxiety, and negative self-esteem.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy helps client’s gain an understanding of how past relationships, experiences and behavioral patterns influence the way they currently function. By helping clients become aware of reoccurring negative relational and behavioral patterns, they are able to make more positive and satisfying life decisions.
  • Family Systems Therapy focuses on the interplay of family roles and relationships in contributing to both the origin and solution of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Therapeutic interventions are aimed at strengthening communication, redefining roles and restoring healthy boundaries. Improved individual and family functioning can result from a more balanced, open relational style.   [top]

Can you prescribe medication?

Psychotherapists are not permitted to prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists and other medical doctors may prescribe medication. In my practice I prefer to collaborate with psychiatrists to formulate a plan specific to your needs. Research suggests that for some problems, medication along with psychotherapy is the best course of treatment. In the event your symptoms and behaviors indicate a need for psychiatric intervention, a referral will be discussed and provided.   [top]

Are the issues discussed in therapy confidential?

I assure confidentiality at all times. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. I will not make any disclosure of any information, including written notes and records, without your written consent. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a client is either a threat to themselves or someone else, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be shared. Some circumstances where the law requires disclosure include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious imminent bodily harm to another person or persons. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim. In addition, it may be necessary for the therapist to notify authorities in order to obtain an evaluation for emergency hospitalization for the client.
  • If a client intends to harm himself/herself or is gravely disabled. The therapist will make every effort to enlist the client’s cooperation in ensuring safety. Further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety. This can include notifying authorities in order to obtain an evaluation for emergency hospitalization for the client.

When appropriate, and for the benefit of children, written permission for release of information may be given by the parent to allow consultation with third parties. Please Call me at 512.878.3452 or email me if you have questions regarding my confidentiality policy.   [top]

How do I know I need counseling?

There are often times in life when certain issues or life events cause emotional distress, problems in relationships or change how we view ourselves. Often, individuals become overwhelmed with their emotions or their have problems in their relationships. They may have difficulty concentrating at work or school, withdraw from friends and family, or find their emotional pain to be unbearable. They feel anxious or unhappy for days at a time, can’t sleep, lose their appetite, or have problems communicating. A trained professional can help you through these difficulties and teach you the skills to handle issues and problems on your own. Problems that can be addressed in counseling are, but not limited to:

  • Depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses
  • Relationship and family issues
  • Divorce
  • Addictions
  • Sexual abuse and domestic violence
  • Eating disorders
  • Problems accepting life transitions
  • Low self esteem
  • Grief and loss
  • Job stressors
  • Emotional difficulties as a result of disability or illness   [top]

How long does counseling take?

Length of counseling treatment varies depending on the individual and the problem they are presenting with. I will discuss your treatment plan in detail with you and discuss length of treatment that is necessary to achieve your goals.   [top]

What can I expect at a counseling session?

It is normal and natural to feel nervous or anxious at your first counseling session. We understand that it takes a lot of courage to come share your emotions and life experiences with someone you have just met. I aim to make the counseling atmosphere comfortable and free from judgment. Depending on your needs I work with you to set goals, change behaviors, maximize your potential, improve relationships and make positive changes in your life.   [top]

What is your training background?

Please see the “About Lynne Head” page.   [top]

What is your theoretical orientation and style?

Please view my “Services” pages.   [top]

Are you or have you been in your own therapy?

Yes   [top]

How do you structure sessions?

Sessions are fifty minutes. For adults, in initial sessions I ask questions about what you would like me to know about what is bringing you in, your life, and family. After that, in general, you set the agenda. For children, typically I meet first with the parents or family.   [top]

What kinds of ongoing education and training do you do?

Continuing Education Units are required annually in order to maintain licenses and certifications for nursing, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and LPC- Supervisor status. Semi Annual certifications are required to maintain my Yoga instruction certificate.   [top]

What do you consider the healing aspects of therapy to be?

Providing a professional, authentic relationship that facilitates a natural environment for growth and self-realization are the core benefits of therapy.   [top]

How do you involve parents and family in child therapy?

Initially I meet with parents as needed to discuss feedback and recommendations, and get ongoing input regarding how things are going at home, in school, etc. I also provide extensive parent education materials for parents to review while their child is in a therapy session. Family involvement is decided based on you and your child’s input as the therapy process unfolds.   [top]